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Germany: Poverty threatens almost 20 percent of population

Unemployment is at a historic low in Germany, but millions of people aren't earning enough to pay their bills or adequately heat their homes. The latest EU figures show poverty poses a greater risk to women.

Germany's results are still lower than the EU average, which was 22.5 percent. The figures are particularly concerning as Germany has some of the lowest food and energy costs in the bloc and is experiencing a historically low unemployment rate.

Struggling to make ends meet

More people may be at work in Germany than ever before, but the results of the study suggest that many aren't being paid enough to keep them above the poverty line.

The EU study defines people on the brink of poverty as those who earn less than 60 percent of Germany's median national income, those who suffer severe material deprivation at home, or those who live in homes with very low labor force participation.

Some 16.1 percent of people were found to be threatened by poverty due to their low monthly income. The income threshold for singles was €1,096 ($1,243) per month and €2,302 for households with two adults and two children younger than 14.

Another 3.4 percent of the population met the EU standard for severe material deprivation at home, meaning they struggled to pay their rent on time, heat their homes adequately, were not able to regularly eat a substantial meal, or spent vacation time at home because it was financially unfeasible to go somewhere else.